The 2021 Lexus NX has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Lexus NX. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility (6), Electrical System (4), Service Brakes (4).
NX reliability snapshot
82/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (good)
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Lexus NX before checking the VIN
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Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Visibility6
Electrical System4
Service Brakes4
Tires4
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Air Bags2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Lexus NX
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect for sunroof glass integrity and check for any signs of cracking or stress
☐Test side view mirrors for stability at highway speeds to ensure clear visibility
☐Check for any unusual noises from the braking system during a test drive
☐Verify all electrical systems, including GPS and interior lighting, for proper function
☐Inspect tires for wear and potential sidewall damage, especially if original equipment Yokohama Geolandar
What owners reported
2021 Lexus NX owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 2 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus NX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints3
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues related to the vehicle's visibility components. Multiple complaints describe incidents of sunroof glass shattering without any apparent impact, with one report specifying the failure occurring at a mileage of 37,718. Additionally, there are reports of side view mirrors malfunctioning; one owner notes a vibrating left-hand side mirror that affects visibility, while another describes a right side view mirror that unexpectedly shattered while driving. These issues pose potential safety risks, particularly the mirror problems which could impair the driver's ability to monitor surrounding traffic.
Owner complaints2
TIRES
Owners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues with tire blowouts, specifically involving rapid air deflation. Complaints frequently mention sudden loss of air pressure, making steering difficult and potentially compromising safety, particularly when driving at moderate speeds such as 35 to 50 mph. The affected tires are reported as original equipment Yokohama Geolandar, with incidents occurring around 26,650 miles. In both cases, the low tire pressure warning light activates as the tire deflates rapidly, and one owner notes damage to the sidewall after driving on a deflated tire. These incidents highlight potential safety implications, such as loss of vehicle control and the need for immediate attention to tire condition when warning indicators appear.
Owner complaints2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues with the electrical system, including high electromagnetic field levels causing discomfort and health concerns, and system errors such as malfunctioning GPS and flickering interior lights. One owner describes serious electrical instability potentially linked to water intrusion, with symptoms appearing around April 2025. Another owner reports a fire incident occurring at approximately 15,000 miles, where the engine compartment caught fire shortly after all warning lights activated, leading to a total vehicle loss. These complaints highlight safety implications, with two injuries reported and one vehicle fire, underscoring potential risks for buyers considering this model.
Owners of the 2021 Lexus NX report issues with the service brakes, primarily involving brake failure and persistent noise. One owner describes a crash incident where the brakes allegedly failed while descending a steep driveway, with no warning lamps observed. Another owner reports recurring cracking sounds from the brake area, with multiple dealership visits failing to resolve the issue, despite repeated brake component replacements. These complaints suggest that problems may occur as early as 8,000 miles, with unresolved issues persisting over several months. Safety implications are significant, with one crash reported and ongoing fears of potential brake failure.
The 2021 Lexus NX scores a robust 88 out of 100, significantly surpassing the segment average of 67. This indicates a strong reliability profile. With no recalls reported, the model shows a limited risk of widespread manufacturing defects. The complaint count is low, and issues are dispersed across various categories, suggesting no single systemic problem.
Visibility, tires, electrical system, and service brakes each account for a small portion of complaints, implying that these concerns are not pervasive. As the final year of its generation, the 2021 NX benefits from matured production processes, likely contributing to its solid reliability.
Overall, the Lexus NX presents a low risk level for buyers, with above-average dependability and minimal issues reported.
What you get in a 2021 Lexus NX report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2021 Lexus NX — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Lexus NX reliable?
The 2021 Lexus NX scores a robust 88 out of 100, significantly surpassing the segment average of 67. This indicates a strong reliability profile. With no recalls reported, the model shows a limited risk of widespread manufacturing defects. The complaint count is low, and issues are dispersed across various categories, suggesting no single systemic problem.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus NX have?
No NHTSA safety recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus NX.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus NX problems?
The most-reported 2021 Lexus NX problem areas are: Visibility (6), Electrical System (4), Service Brakes (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Lexus NX?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Lexus NX, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
